Kim Roney
kimroneyforasheville.com
Occupation: Piano teacher, bartender at The Mothlight
Previous candidacy: None
Affiliations: 103.3 Asheville FM, City of Asheville’s Multimodal Transportation Commission, City of Asheville’s Transit Committee, Asheville Skateboard Foundation, Asheville on Bikes
Short-answer questions
Why are you running for City Council?
Asheville is at a critical turning point, with many people struggling to make ends meet. As a musician, server, activist and teacher, I understand what it means to live on stagnant, unreliable wages in a tourist economy. Our community needs courageous, new voices in local governance.
What relevant experience makes you a good candidate for City Council?
I was a founding member of 103.3 Asheville FM, where I served as volunteer station manager for three years and produced the “AFM News Hour,” covering Council meetings. I live a car-free lifestyle, utilizing my experience advocating for everyday people on Asheville’s MMTC and Transit Committee.
What do you bring to City Council that other candidates don’t?
We need courageous leadership as brave as the people it serves if we’re going to address affordability, value public input and build community from within while addressing racial equity and social justice concerns. My civic engagement has reflected these shared values, especially when voting on boards and commissions.
What three achievable goals would you champion in the next two years?
Advocate for free-fare transit: Stop subsidizing necessary transportation access on the backs of poor, elderly and working people. Increase housing in the 30 percent [area median income]: House people making less than $20,000 a year. Evaluate Asheville’s governance model: Demand value in public input, using an equity lens when making appointments.
What is one recent City Council decision you don’t agree with and how would you have handled it differently?
Our Council adopted a budget delivered by the city manager in a process that lacked a base budget, which would have provided true transparency. I would’ve worked with fellow Council members and the community to dissect and discern a budget that realized positive solutions by and for the people of Asheville.
What makes Asheville home to you?
I chose to locate here with my husband in 2006, following our friends at Harvest Records. We were drawn to the collaborative spirit of the Asheville community. I recognize the diligent love and work of my friends and neighbors and value the natural resources we enjoy and must certainly protect.
Yes-or-no questions
Is the city effectively managing its finances?
No.
Should the city do more to manage the pace of hotel development?
Yes.
Should the city ease its restrictions on short-term residential rentals?
No.
Is the Buncombe County TDA contributing its fair share to help the city manage the impact of tourism?
No.
Should the city budget more money to support nonprofit grassroots initiatives?
Yes.
Should more resources be allocated to the Asheville Police Department?
No.
Should the city implement election districts for seats on City Council?
No.
Has city staff been sufficiently transparent about the increase in costs for the River Arts District Transportation Improvement Project?
No.
Should the Haywood Street property across from the Civic Center be green space only?
No.
Are the city’s current affordable housing strategies sufficient?
No.
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